DiSSCo UK Senior Impact and Evaluation Manager

Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire

Contract type: 3 years Fixed Term

Closing Date: 28 June 2026

About the Role

Lead the DiSSCo UK programme‑level evaluation, benefit management, and impact measurement. Oversee the evaluation contract with the external supplier, supervise data capture, reporting, and monitoring for grant holders, support governance structures, commission research, and produce impact reports to communicate outcomes to stakeholders.

Your Responsibilities

• Supervise the programme‑level evaluation, which comprises a baseline, impact evaluation and process evaluation.
• Serve as the main contact for the evaluation suppliers, convene meetings, and disseminate findings.
• Maintain the programme level M&E plan and Benefits Realisation Plan.
• Supervise data capture, reporting and monitoring for current and future DiSSCo UK grant holders, engaging with AHRC, UKRI, and NHM colleagues to ensure DiSSCo UK reports against Measuring AHRC’s Success criteria and Infrastructure‑fund level requirements.
• With the Investment Manager, supervise the DiSSCo UK governance structures, support Business‑Case Gate Reviews, maintain documentation and T&Cs, conduct recruitment of new members, and deputise for the DiSSCo UK Team Head as appropriate.
• Engage with cross‑UKRI initiatives and maintain the relationship with UKRI and AHRC data, impact, and evidence colleagues.
• Oversee the commissioned research programme, identify knowledge gaps and strategic priorities, and commission research to benefit the team, programme, and wider sector.
• Supervise procurement of research reports with administrative support from the Operations Officer.
• Create reports, briefing notes and slide packs to demonstrate the impacts and benefits of the DiSSCo UK programme, including commercial benefits and spillovers.
• Communicate impacts and outcomes for a variety of audiences.
• Work collaboratively and effectively with DiSSCo UK colleagues, adapting and communicating to ensure shared goals are met and staff feel supported.
• Work with NHM colleagues to support the work of the DiSSCo EU European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC).
• Co‑manage the Investment Manager, providing line and task management, and support their professional development.

Person Specification

• Understanding of Monitoring and Evaluation terminology and principles, such as the purpose of M&E, different types of evaluation and how evaluation reports can be used.
• Experience of benefits mapping or experience of identifying and evidencing the impacts of an investment, project, or activity.
• Some experience of procuring goods and services using established processes would be useful.
• Ability to collect, manage and present data accurately (visual design skills and experience of producing infographics and using data visualisation tools will be useful).
• Clear and effective presentation of data for a variety of users, and the ability to identify and explain trends in data will be required.
• Experience of leading or managing activities with multiple internal/external partners.
• Some understanding of commercialisation within research projects and research areas would be advantageous.
• Experience of managing and mitigating risk in projects.
• Good team working skills, including collaborating with colleagues to prioritise tasks and maximise resources.
• Good interpersonal skills, including the ability to explain complex ideas and advocate to external stakeholders.
• Experience of managing or supervising staff and supporting staff development.

Benefits

• 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
• Flexible working options.

EEO Statement

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.